How to play Hulusi : fingering & other technical aspects

[@vampcess5147]

I bought a hulusi for my brother one birthday and he was going to learn to play it before he died. Now I'm learning to play it in honour of him and this video is so helpful. Thank you so much :)

[@dereknolin5986]

That is a beautiful tribute! Good luck on your musical journey!

[@privateeye7383]

The air flow is so wow. I bought a hulusi maybe 3 years ago, during my Chinese culture and language studies and I couldn't find much online, in regards of beginner sheet music and simple instructions on how to play. Your video made me want to pick it up again

[@lachlanjohnson4190]

I’ve been playing Hulusi for years and you have taught me something new. Thank you for the cross fingering technique!!

[@victorpimentel7209]

I got mine today and I was worried cause it wasn't playing notes, even when I applied too much pressure. Took me some time to learn that you use low pressure if all holes are covered and you use a lot of pressure if you take the fingers out. I thought that I was using too much pressure because it wasn't coming any sound anymore but that's actually low pressure if the holes aren't covered. If you're trying to play notes, you need to keep raising the pressure. It'll be like moose sound, silent and then the right sound. Don't know if that's right, it's working for me like that ^^'

[@tttITA10]

I just now discovered this instrument, but I already like this tutorial: it answered lots of my questions.

[@justaweeb9086]

This was a fantastic video! I don't own a Hulusi but if I was indecisive this video would definitely convince me

[@tradscendence]

I cannot find ANYWHERE on the internet about regular cleaning/maintenance for these things. I'm resorting to commenting on youtube videos.

[@theusher2893]

The best advice I can give is to store it upright to let it air and drain properly (you can buy a hulusi hanger for around $15usd) and take it apart once in a while to check on the reed and make sure it isn't oxidized. The pipes should slip out with a firm pull. You can also tune the reed a tiny amount by applying very, VERY gentle pressure to the base (where the reed actually meets the reed base) but it's very easy to overbend them so if you're not experienced I don't recommend it. Lastly, unless you spend a decent amount on a decent instrument (less than $150 is too cheap) don't expect it to last long. The inexpensive ones made from gourd and bamboo simply do not last and likely are already too dried out by the time you get it. Look for a good instrument, one with a ceramic air chamber and wood pipes is a decent investment and can withstand frequent use and cleaning. If the pipes become too loose you can tighten them by winding thread around the pipe and coating it with wax to help it stay tighter, but a ceramic/wood hulusi shouldn't have this problem. Other than that, gentle swabbing inside with some compressed cotton on a thin stick (like a bamboo skewer) is all you need to clean it; don't use alcohol as this rapidly and irreversibly dries out the wood. I hope this helps, I've played hulusi for about eight years now and still have the same instrument. I'm by no means proficient but I can at least tell others what I've learned so they don't make the same mistakes! 😆

[@tradscendence]

@@theusher2893 perfect. Thank you so much! No, I don't have a cheap hulusi, so this advice is perfect. Thanks again!! 🙏

[@PracticaProphetica]

@@theusher2893 What happens if you oil the interior of the wood (like you would to recorder, or other woodwinds)?

[@joebaumgart1146]

One of my close friends is half Chinese, her dad is from just outside of Hong Kong. She taught me to play this.

[@andremacleuri]

thank you

[@tuinaso]

Excelente video! Muchas gracias

[@Cuteglamshopper]

I’m in love with this instrument. Thank you.

[@PaulAdamssongs]

I play the Hulusi but am confused about Key. Mine says it is a G. However starting all all holes covered (Lowest note) the scale is D E F# G A B D E, Of course that is the G note scale - just stars on D. A little confuing. Thanks for the video. !!

[@narnodel2]

Yes a lot an eastern wind instruments start on the fifth note of the scale. That's the case for the Hulusi, but also for the Indian bansuri for example. The note shown on the instrument is the note you achieve by closing the left hand holes only.

[@PaulAdamssongs]

@@narnodel2 Thanks so much for your rreply!!

[@00renee00]

This was so helpful! Thank you!

[@paniccing]

I just got my Hulusi for Christmas, and I’m trying to figure out why the notes are coming out weird... the lowest two come out fine, but the third is flat, and everything higher comes out on the same note :/

[@narnodel2]

If the sound is close to what I recorded at the beginning of the video, that means that you are not blowing hard enough. I hope for you that it is the problem !

[@paniccing]

@@narnodel2 thank you, I hope so as well

[@Caracolenpaz]

Wow it sounds wonderful!!! My hulusi has drones in A, but other in F#, so it's difficult to use this second one, it's sounds so sharp

[@okwaleedpoetry]

Wow this is incredible

[@Shoinie]

beautiful instrument

[@LadyMngwa]

Amazing edu video, thanks a lot. I was checking this flute at musical eshop and this helped a lot.

[@binarymilton]

Great video. I now have 2 hulusis and on both of them the lowest note sounds horribly sharp. No matter whether I blow hard or soft, the very lowest note sounds almost a semitone sharp!

[@PracticaProphetica]

Take a look at this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4WugoZ5f8mJm6s from 2:07 on. Also, on this one, there are no words, but he seems to imply that the tuning could be changed by adjusting the end plug: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHnVaYOjd9CkbtE

[@cherrycordial4180]

Very informative video, thanks for posting it. Can the reed be replaced with a new one?

[@narnodel2]

I've never replaced mine. But I guess it is possible, since I have seen a few years ago reeds for sale on the web... but I can't tell you where !

[@barbaracataldo566]

Thank you, thank you thank, you! I'm still having trouble "lowering" the volume on the drones. At least this video addresses this problem. 👍

[@adassa1132]

I have just received my halusi I'm in love with it. Would it be possible to do a video that shows how to maintain our halusi to clean it, then put it back together again? I didn't get any instructions with mine, what I do have is all in chinese. Thank you. Your video is really helpful because I'm learning how to play the halusi myself. You are a really gifted musician I love your videos btw thank you for them. I look forward to some more videos 🙏🏾😉👍🏾 be safe & well.

[@narnodel2]

Hi, thank you for your kind words ! Unfortunately I have never cleaned my hulusi, maybe just once in 10 years but I'm not sure... so I can't make a video about something I have no experience with ! Good luck with your hulusi (and be aware that it is called hUlusi and not hAlusi ;-) )

[@EmmaValezim-rj3vj]

hello I bought a hulusi with an A key. And I don't know anything about it. Can I play the same finger patterns as you even though you have an F key? Do you know where I could find information on hulusi with an A key? THANKS ! great video

[@garlicmanuk762]

thank you for the tutorial i want to buy and learn

[@tarabacol]

please teach us more. Thank you

[@Keita5533]

Do you use key C hulusi ?

[@gru_day]

Bought one on Ali (cheap but sounds good). Very complex instrument.

[@ilonakangas8389]

Hi, thanks for the video. I just got my hulusi. I wonder if you could help me with this: I find the right notes but I struggle to start and end them clean. There is always a lower note that comes before the right note and at the end of it, as in the start of the blow and and the end of it. How to get rid of the lower note and start the notes clean and straight? Is it that I blow incorrectly? Could it be that my hulusi might just not be that good (it was cheap :D )? Thank you, if you find time to answer this or if someone else knows what to do :)

[@narnodel2]

Hello, I think this is just a matter of pressure. As soon as the pressure is too low, the hulusi produce a strange low note. When you blow in your hulusi, you have to put immediately the right pressure, and when you stop blowing, you have to stop immediately, without decreasing progressively the pressure. The Hulusi is an On / Off instrument, unlike the flute where you can vary the pressure. If you are already a flute player, this requires some practice, because this is a very different approach !

[@PhanTriKC]

Thanks Đã Hướng Dẫn HuLuSi Notes Nốt Nhạc

[@GrahamIrwin-Paciano]

Nice demo, thanks. One thing though, what happened to the note Ti? It seems to be missing.

[@leiatyndall8648]

Just found & bought one of these @ a thrift store. Sidter's abt to get home, so won't really be able to play around w/ it today. No Ti, eh?

[@tatyanap9867]

Where did you buy your hulusi, and what key is it in?

[@hulusiflutecoversongs8363]

U play so good

[@alvaropardey4760]

Good video nice

[@mhmovement3811]

Hi , thank you for such the informative video! Would you by any chance be able to differentiate a hulusi “c” “d” instrument for purchasing purposes? I am currently exploring options on eBay and would love your input! Kindly,

[@narnodel2]

C and D hulusi are very high pitched. Personally I prefer lower pitched hulusis, like mine which is in F. B-flat hulusi is very standard if your prefer higher pitched instrument. Good luck !

[@AndewMole]

a C hulusi would sound a perfect fifth higher than this video

[@christophespoto]

Thanks!

[@darkwitchoftheblackforest8593]

una pregunta quiero comprar un hulusi pero no se con que digitación empezar yo toco ocarina,flauta de pico y gaita escocesa y pues al ser este instrumento musical de viento no me daría problemas tocarlo pero con cual afinacion recomiendas empezar y necesita reeds esta flauta Hulusi?

[@narnodel2]

Les Hulusis ont en effet plusieurs tonalités, moi j'aime bien celui en fa qui est assez grave. Les Hulusi standard vont du fa au do. A vous de choisir ! Et pas besoin d'anche, j'ai acheté mon Hulusi il y a treize ans et l'anche est toujours bonne. Ce sont des anches métalliques, comme dans un accordéon, donc ça ne se change pas toutes les semaines ! Si jamais il y en a une qui casse au bout de plusieurs années, j'ai vu qu'on pouvait en acheter sur internet, mais je n'ai jamais essayé.

[@hulusiflutecoversongs8363]

Can u share us somes hulusi note letter

[@scathatch]

Amazing. Thankyou

[@R.Belle.Official]

thanks

[@nushinmorid5921]

How did you lower the drone??? I watched it over and over again, but can’t see, how you do it? Can you explain please? 🙏🏼🔆

[@narnodel2]

Don't worry, I will answer ! I close the bottom hole of the drone with my knee. Watch again and you will see.

[@nushinmorid5921]

😀 you are amazing ! A magician ! Now I see it clearly. Thank you so much. This is a beautiful technique! Thanks a lot for your reply and for sharing this whole video ❤️

[@PracticaProphetica]

@@narnodel2This does not work with Hulusi that have the hinged key to open the drone hole!

[@midnightsun9559]

Great instructions! What is the key of your hulusi?

[@TheModicaLiszt]

F

[@mflorez]

Thanks for this video, it has been very useful! Do you know where can I find any hulusi sheet music (hopefully not in chinese)? And where can we hear more of your compositions? You're an awesome musician and artist!

[@narnodel2]

Hello Maria, thank you for your comment ! I absolutely have no idea where to find hulusi sheet music, I only played improvisations and own compositions on this instrument. I have posted almost everything I have recorded on Soundcloud, you will be able to find me by typing my name !

[@carlacardoni456]

hello you are very good. I'm trying, but when I take my breath, it has a note return....is there a technique to prevent it, or is it the flute that doesn't work well....thanks

[@narnodel2]

Hello, thank you ! Yes the hulusi can play notes "backwards", when you inhale through the instrument. Of course you have to inhale outside, but I think you already know it ;-). But sometimes it can also produce a note when you stop blowing just before taking your breath. You have to practice how to stop to blow. It must stop very abruptly, without slow fade out. The breath in the hulusi is to be thought as an on / off switch !

[@carlacardoni456]

@@narnodel2 ok ok thanks, I'll try.🙃

[@Diziflute-DanTang]

@@narnodel2 👍

[@Tonny0909]

Any help? I bought cheap one (because I'm not sure how I like it) and no matter which holes I close it sounds a same. I can't play scale at all. Is it just rubbish or am I doing something wrong. It has one plug on a string. Should I close one of little tubes?

[@PracticaProphetica]

He demonstrated this at the beginning of the video: 0:01 to 0:06. If you blow too weakly, you will get all the same note.

[@veronicaschmidt3461]

Nice.

[@garlicmanuk762]

wow i want to learn hulusi

[@michaelwittmann6328]

Everytime I try playing my hulusi, whenever I stop playing (like to take breath), it ends the sound with a wierd "honk" (similar to when you blow too little). Is my hulusi broken or is it a skill thing?

[@narnodel2]

Your hulusi is fine, it does the same on mine when I don’t pay attention. You have to stop the breath all at once, like an on/off switch. It requires some practice, I should have mentioned this point in my video !

[@dinkusstinkus4396]

My bottom two notes on my hulusi don't do much to the sound other than make it awful off key regardless of how hard I blow into it. Is it broke or am I doing something wrong?

[@narnodel2]

If you are sure that all your finger holes are tightly closed, and if you try blowing at various strengths... yes there is a problem. I am not a hulusi maintenance specialist, but check your reed, maybe it is dirty. Try to clean it, to push it VERY gently with a needle. Sometimes that helps, sometimes not... If your hulusi never worked, it is also likely that it is just a defective instruments.

[@RealHooligan]

Wow..

[@tuinaso]

Do hoy know where can i find some information about hulusi? Book? For free and for buy is OK. I have one hulusi in F but I want learn. Thanks!

[@narnodel2]

No I don't know any book for learning hulusi. This is one of the easiest instrument to learn, I'm sure with some time you will be able to learn it by yourself. All the infos you could need to start are in the video !

[@tuinaso]

@@narnodel2 thank you! ;)

[@barbaracataldo566]

Try the book "How To Play Bawu and Hulusi: A Beginners Guide..." by Pat Missin. I'm not sure it's sold in any other language but English. I got it on Amazon.

[@melchizedekvalentinechibue5494]

Please how can i get this instrument

[@MichaelSplatkins]

The internet? Google isn't a special skill, brother ;) Here's a very good beginner's Hulusi on Etsy at a damn reasonable price: OrientalMusicSanctuary Professional Cambodian Rosewood Hulusi - Chinese Curcubit Gourd Flute Key C (higher) or G (lower) are good flutes for a beginner, though C is considered easier than G to handle. I prefer G's range personally.

[@barbaracataldo566]

Although Mr. Delannoy doesn't like Amazon I've bought my hulusi there. I'm not a professional but what I've bought are reasonably priced and sound nice.

[@jzonkel]

I think mine is broken but I'm not sure. Are the drone sticks supposed to be able to slide in and out of the gourd? Lmao probably not. Are you supposed to be able to inhale and make noise? Also I think only one of my drone sticks makes sound, surprisingly the one that DOES slide in and out

[@narnodel2]

Hello, yes the drones and the main pipe are supposed to be able to slide out the gourd, that is not a problem, and let you clean them if necessary. And yes you can have a sound when you inhale, but that is a strange a funny sound, not real notes. If one of your drones doesn't work, you can try cleaning the reed. Just try to push it gently with a needle, maybe there is dust stuck in it, preventing the reed to vibrate freely. Good luck !

[@viktorijajumike9133]

@@narnodel2 i think I dont have a metal reed for one pipe. :( but i figured out how to get the drone.

[@narnodel2]

That could explain why the drone doesn’t work !

[@viktorijajumike9133]

@@narnodel2 yeah, so I have just three pipes but only two reeds. Will try to figure out where to get the third one and fix it.

[@erinslion1971]

@@viktorijajumike9133 Many of the less expensive instruments available have two drone pipes, but only one is functional, the other is purely for decoration.

[@Uhm196]

Bro is yours a B tune or an A tune, cuz that doesn’t sound or look like a C

[@guilhermefreitas5970]

His instrument is in F Key, look description bro

[@myleeh8533]

❤️

[@nicolegonzalez3781]

Why don't you explain with details like where to put the fingers I'll try to learn with my daughter please 🙏

[@narnodel2]

There are fingerings shown on this video from 0:19

[@ntujqubqab3479]

I guess I can never play this 😭😳🤧

[@PracticaProphetica]

Why not? You don't have fingers or a mouth?!

[@creeperazul903]

P100

[@王开心-w9f]

你精通中国多少乐器？！牛人👍

[@birdyashiro1226]

精通？